This House / Paradise Explained

This House" / "Paradise
Cover:This House Paradise.png
Type:Single
Artist:Diana Ross
Album:Workin' Overtime
Producer:Nile Rodgers
Prev Title:Workin' Overtime
Prev Year:1989
Next Title:Bottom Line
Next Year:1989

"This House" / "Paradise" is a double single from the album Workin' Overtime by American singer Diana Ross, released on July 23, 1989 in the US by Motown. Worldwide distribution was handled by EMI, but the single was split in two there: the songs "This House" and "Paradise" were released separately. Both songs were written and produced by Nile Rodgers.

It was originally planned that "This House" would be the lead single from the album, but Ross insisted on "Workin' Overtime".[1] However, the song failed to achieve success, rising only to number 64 on the Hot Black Singles chart. "Paradise" was much more popular, promoted on the dance market thanks to remixes by Shep Pettibone, reaching number 11 on the Dance Club Play chart in September 1989.

Both songs were performed during the Workin' Overtime World Tour.

Critical reception

AllMusic noted the track "This House" as one of the most striking in the album.[2] The European magazine Music & Media named "Paradise" the best track of the album.[3] Muff Fitzgerald from Record Mirror stated that the only worthy songs are the juicy ballad "This House" and "Paradise" with spicy remixes by Shep Pettibone.[4] Stereo Review magazine noted that to some extent tracks like "This House" save the album.[5] Frank Kogan of Spin highlighted two good dance recordings in the album, one of which is "Paradise".[6]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Taraborrelli, J. Randy. J. Randy Taraborrelli. Diana Ross: An Unauthorized Biography. 517. Pan Macmillan. 2008. 9780330470148.
  2. Web site: Ron. Wynn. Ron Wynn. Workin' Overtime review. AllMusic. Netaktion LLC. 11 July 2024.
  3. Previews: Albums: Diana Ross–Workin' Overtime (EMI/Ross). Music & Media. June 3, 1989. 6. 22. 18. 29800226.
  4. Muff. Fitzgerald. Diana Ross–Workin' Overtime review. Record Mirror. May 27, 1989. 32. 0144-5804.
  5. Phyl. Garland. Review: Diana Ross–Workin' Overtime. Stereo Review. November 1989. 54. 11. 138, 140. 0039-1220.
  6. Frank. Kogan. Spins: Diana Ross–Workin' Overtime // Donna Summer–Another Place and Time. Spin. September 1989. 5. 6. 86–87. 0886-3032.